Be cautious of unsolicited energy audit phone calls

Trish PowellMidland Reporter-Telegram

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, July 18, 2011

Now is the time of year when many people will feel the burn of increased energy bills due to the hot summer weather. But if you receive a phone call from someone offering a free energy audit, you need to be careful and ask a few questions before agreeing to it. BBB offices across the country are hearing from consumers who have been contacted by someone claiming free government money is available to them if they upgrade certain areas of their home.

The callers say the energy audit is completely free, will take just a few minutes to complete and can be done that day. Unfortunately, the consumers who ask for a phone number or other contact information from the caller say they are either hung up on or the caller will not release it to them. Some consumers who agreed to the audits were then given sales pitches for things like radiant heat barriers or other energy conservation products, but at much higher prices than most companies will offer.

Just last month, a telemarketing company in Florida called Unlimited Energy Solutions Inc. was sued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for making these types of calls to consumers. If you receive an unsolicited phone call, remember to do the following:

- Always ask who the caller works for and get their contact information. If they won't provide it to you, hang up the phone.

- Do not give out any personal information. Never give a stranger your Social Security number, credit or debit card information. Last year, over 84,000 people were victims of phone scams because they provided personal information over the phone.

- Research the company before agreeing to anything. Visit bbb.org to check for complaints and visit the company's website to verify they perform energy conservation services.

Remember, there are federal and state rebates and incentives in place for energy efficient products. If you are interested in finding out what you can take advantage of, visit www.energysavers.gov.

For consumer information, BBB Business Reviews on charities and businesses, to schedule a guest speaker or to file a complaint, visit Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org or call 563-0213.

Trish Powell is the Regional Director of Better Business Bureau of the Permian Basin.